213 Chapter 213-The Ball.
Azrail could see through Liang's plans, the desire mainly being to seduce his mother and to use her, not a bad plan per se.
'Guess the idea of too much arrogance exists even within his mind too.'
Azrail mused, his amusement playing within his eyes as Liang turned to look at the center of the huge hall, his voice spreading around.
"Let's begin the ball."
Just as his voice fell, all the dancers and musicians jumped into their roles, a light soothing music filling the place, while the sensual dancers began their endearing dance. All of them had light Qi within them and even used light weight Qi to make the music more appealing and relaxing while the dancers moved forth to make their movements more attractive and hypnotic.
By now, most of the ones affected by the sudden push in power had already recovered. The more powerful ones of the Empire were already eyeing Azrail's location, their greed very relevant. The younger ones were fully focused on him and Valencia, the enigma, whose beauty couldn't seem to take their eyes off them.
"I assume you have a teacher, Azrail?"
The Empress, Aihan Aurelian, a beauty, one of powerful background, of great mind and power, currently tightly holding the spot of the Empress, not even giving space for any other women to eye the position at all. Her black hair and eyes matched her beauty as she focused on Azrail, a light smile filling her face as she asked the question.
Azrail spoke in a low tone, to which Aihan didn't relent. While Liang talked up with his mother and Raena, the Empress seemed to want to focus on him and Valencia.
"Why did you suddenly change your name to Azrail?"
Aihan asked, her face devoid of much expression as she did so. To this, Azrail directly met the eyes of Aihan, his calm eyes seemingly devouring her soul as he spoke.
"Nothing much, I just didn't like my old name. I am starting a new life, and I just wanted a new name to match it."
The response of Azrail made Aihan smile. She lightly tapped on her table as several drinks started to be placed around by the servants. Taking a light sip from it, she started to speak.
"You named yourself as Azrail D. Xavon, right? What does the D stand for? Does it have anything to do with your teacher?"
'Now she is truly digging.'
Azrail kept his expression neutral. He didn't go forth to directly answer Aihan's question. His eyes kept contact with Aihan's eyes, the atmosphere turning a bit stale as he took the drink in front of him. A very tasty juice made from several powerful herbs and fruits that are very helpful in cultivation. Without breaking the eye contact, Azrail took a sip of the drink, enjoying the flavor as he kept up the atmosphere.
But it would seem that the rest of the children sitting in different spots don't seem to accept this action at all, especially the direct children of Aihan. But before they could open their mouths, Aihan raised her hand, blocking off their words as Azrail spoke.
"Nothing much about the names, I just liked how they sounded."
The low tone of his voice indicated Azrail's lack of interest in continuing the topic of the conversation. With a light smile, Aihan spoke.
"It's no matter. The fault lies in me by just suddenly jumping into sensitive information. Why don't we talk about the charming woman beside you? Is she...?"
Once again, an innocent question, though the answer is self-speaking by the way Azrail entered the room with Valencia. In this case, Azrail didn't speak, he left it to the very cunning Valencia as she spoke, her voice as always making others fall in love with its softness.
"I'm Azrael's fiancée. We just happened to meet and click. The name's Valencia Ewald."
The last mention of the name brought about subtle pressure to the whole room, but since she didn't speak it out with intention, nothing like before happened. Just the focus of power itself roamed around, and Azrail could see Aihan frown a little, while a drop of sweat formed from her forehead.
'So that must be the Lady Xia.'
Azrail mused as he looked at the woman sitting in the 5th place of the seating. With her status as a concubine, it's quite an achievement to come to sit till here. After all, among the Emperor women, there are a lot of them present, but only the most important women with power and their children were allowed to enter this place, thus the seating is very focused.
The woman Xia sat with a light smile on her face, having light brown hair and shining black eyes, as well as the normal quality of being very beautiful. Unlike Aihan, a much more gentle presence surrounded her. The seating behind her was towards her children right now being two, a prince of age 20, while the other one just looks to be about 5.
The same is true with Aihan, she seems to have her 4 children behind her, at least the most important ones. Three of them are males, all of them past their 50s but still looking young and fresh, not to mention powerful and handsome. Catching behind that are the two girls, one of age 37 looking like in her 20s while the other one is a girl that seems to be of age 15.
Her eyes never left Azrail from the moment he had entered inside. Well, it's true for most of the girls, but this one, in particular, can't seem to get enough of him as she kept looking at him, and just one glance into her made Azrail understand what was running through her mind.
'Interesting, this might be useful...'
Musing at this thought, Azail focused on the conversation between Aihan and Valencia. As Valencia spoke.
"I've heard about all the beautiful gardens you take care of. I would like to see it all one day."
Her words once again bring the full focus of the male. With just one glance, Azrail could see the hearts forming in the eyes of the many men, no doubt their young-rearing hormones wanting to jump and do something stupid.
"It would be my pleasure to guide you there. Just send a message before you arrive."
Aihan spoke with a smile at Valencia's words, and it was within this atmosphere that Liang suddenly spoke to Azrail.
"So Azrail, what's your plan in the lower heavens? With your talents and power, I assume you would be leaving soon?"
His question made the atmosphere a bit fiery, but Azrail dealt with it with a nonchalant gaze as he spoke.
"Not really, for now, I just want to focus here, and maybe soon I will be leaving the lower heavens."
"I see, that's good. Having ambitions is good."
Liang the Emperor replied with a light smile. Azrail acknowledged Liang's response with a nod, a subtle glint of amusement in his eyes. The intricate dance of power and diplomacy continued each word a strategic move in the larger game.
Aihan, sensing the undercurrents, decided to steer the conversation. "Azrail, I've heard tales of your prowess in cultivation. The Lower Heavens can be a treacherous place, and your talents would be wasted if you limit yourself to the courtly affairs here. What motivates you to stay?"
Azrail took a moment to sip his drink, relishing the taste before responding. "Empress Aihan, the intricacies of the Lower Heavens intrigue me. There are hidden realms, forgotten arts, and ancient mysteries waiting to be unraveled. It's a vast playground for someone with a thirst for knowledge and power."
The Empress nodded, her eyes gleaming with understanding. "Ambition is a double-edged sword, Azrail. It can elevate you to greatness or lead you into the abyss. Choose your path wisely."
"I'm well aware, Empress Aihan. The Lower Heavens may hold challenges, but I'm confident in my ability to navigate them. Besides, every challenge is an opportunity for growth," Azrail replied with a confident smile.
The conversation flowed seamlessly, and Liang interjected, "Azrail, have you considered forming alliances in the Lower Heavens? The political landscape there is vastly different from what you're accustomed to here."
Azrail's eyes sparkled with a calculated gleam. "Indeed, Emperor Liang. I believe in the power of alliances. In the Lower Heavens, strength is not just measured by one's cultivation but by the network of allies, one can forge. I'm open to collaboration with those whose interests align with mine."
Liang nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response. "Smart. It's a chaotic realm, and having reliable allies can be the key to survival."
As the conversation continued, Azrail deftly navigated the subtle power plays, dropping hints of his ambitions without revealing too much. The courtly dance unfolded, with each participant vying for influence and advantage.
Valencia, ever perceptive, leaned into Azrail. 'It seems they're testing you, my love.'
Azrail smiled, appreciating her insight. 'I'm well aware, Valencia.'
The evening progressed, a symphony of politics and intrigue, with Azrail orchestrating his part with finesse. The courtly ball became a stage for subtle power plays.